Bag making and filling machine



Jan. 23, 1934. J ALDRICH 1,944,147

BAG MAKING AND FILLING MACHINE Filed April 4, 1951 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 1 o 54 5s 1} o i 3\ Jmmttoo Jan. 23, 1934. J. P. ALDRICH 7 1,944,147 r Q BAG MAKING AND FILLING MACHINE Filed April 4, 1951 s Sheets-Sheet 2 Jan. 23, 1934. J. P. ALDRICH BAG MAKING AND FILLING MACHINE 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed April 4, 1931 Patented Jan. 23, 1934 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE Application April 4, 1981.

24 Claims.

This invention relates to machines for making and fillingbags, but more particularly to machines of this character which are adapted to form a continuous tube into which the filling material is inserted, successive closures being formed for the top of the filled package and the bottom of the next succeeding bag.

A great demand exists for packages which visibly display the contents so that the purchaser can see the goods before buying. This demand has to a great extent been met by packaging material in cellophane bags, since cellophane is transparent and enables the goods to be inspected by the prospective customer. The only objection so far experienced to cellophane packages is that they are ordinarily closed by hand, and this adds considerably to the cost. A machine has been proposed for accomplishing the purpose, but not only is such machine exceedingly intricate and 20 complex, but also the finished package is unshapely at the end closures. It is, therefore, a desideratum to obtain a comparatively simple and efflcient machine for making filled cellophane packages rapidly and obtain end closures for the packages which are neat in appearance and satisfactorily close the ends from the atmosphere.

An object of this invention is to provide a simple and efficient machine for forming filled packages in which the closures are not only neat in appearance, but provide a substantially air-tight seal.

Another object is to provide new and improved mechanism for severing a bag tube and closing the ends of the tube sections concomitantly by $5 sheet metal.

A further object is to provide a machine for making filled cellophane packages from a continuous tube through which charges of material are inserted, and in which pairs of sheet metal closures are formed, one closure forming the top of one package, and the other closure providing the bottom of the next succeeding package.

Further objects and advantages will hereinafter appear, and embodiments of the invention are shown by way of illustration, but not of limitation, on the accompanying drawings, in which- Figure 1 is a front elevation partly in section of a machine for successively forming filled packages;

Fig. 2 is a transverse sectional elevation on the line 22 of Fig. 1, showing the closure operating mechanism on one side of, the machine;

. Fig. 3 is a transverse sectional elevation on the line 3-3 of Fig. 1 showing particularly the Serial No. 527,715

folding fingers for folding inwardly the sides of the sheet material;

Fig. 4 is an enlarged sectional view of a portion of the closure forming mechanism by which two closures are simultaneously formed;

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the shearingram which operates to sever the metallic closure strip;

Figs. 6 to 13, inclusive, are diagrammatic views showing successive steps in the formation of the closures;

Fig. 14 is a top plan view of the strip feedin mechanism Fig. 14 is a plan view showing a modified apparatus for feeding and severing the closure strips;

Fig. 15 is a transverse section on the line 15-15 of Fig. 14, showing the strip severing means;

and i Fig. 16 is a. transverse .section on the line 16l6 of Fig. 14, showing the guide for the closure strip material.

The illustrated embodiment of the invention comprises a machine for making filled packages having a frame 10, and mounted vertically at one side is a tubular post 11. Reciprocable within the post 11 is a shaft 12, from the upper end of which projects laterally a pair of supporting arms 13, to the outer ends of which is clamped a mandrel 14, which in this instance, is rectangular in cross section. Supported on the upper end of the mandrel 14 is a hopper 15 adapted to receive the filling material which may be preweighed or measured in any suitable manner.

Secured to the post 11 adjacent the upper end thereof, is a clamp 16 from which extends a pair of parallel horizontal rods 17, on which are slidably mounted a pair of channel folding plates 18. The folding plates 18 are arranged on opposite sides of the mandrel 14 and are shaped so 96 as to embrace the mandrel over its lower end portion. The plates 18 are yieldingly held against the mandrel 14 by coil springs 19. Sheet cellophane material S is fed from a suitable roll (not shown) over a guide roll 20, and then .00 over a pair of guides 21 disposed on opposite sides of the mandrel 14 and carried by the folding plates 18. The guides 21 have guiding surfaces inclined downwardly in opposite directions from the mandrel 14.

In positioning the cellophane material S relatively to the mandrel 14, the folding plates 18 are first moved in opposite directions away from the mandrel, and thereafter the cellophane material S is drawn over the guides 21 and down- 1 0 wardly along the rear side of the mandrel.

' are closed by tape, which is progressively applied to form a closed tube on the lower portion of the mandrel. The sealing tape may likewise be of cellophane material coated with a quick drying adhesive which is found to be satisfactory. The tape is mounted on a reel 22 which extends beneath a guide roll 23, and through a longitudinal slot 24 formed in the folding plates 13. As shown, the slot 24 extendsrto the lower end of the plates 18 and is positioned off-center, so as not to interfere with subsequent folding of the tube. The reel 22 is carried by a bracket 25, and is mounted to swing about a vertical pivot 26, which is carried by the clamp 16. The tape roll 23 is carried by an arm 27 integral with the bracket 25. The mounting of the tape reel and guide roll in this manner enables these parts to be swung outwardly away from the mandrel and folding plates 18, when the cellophane S is first drawn around the mandrel to form the tube.

From the above description it is apparent that the cellophane S is drawn around the mandrel 14, and is formed into a tube by the folding plates 18, which cooperate with the mandrel, and the free longitudinal edge portions of the material S- are sealed by tape, which is applied through an elongate slot formed in the folding plates. As

above mentioned, vertical reciprocatcry movement is imparted to the shaft 12 by any suitable mechanism, such as a cam (not shown) and each downward movement of the mandrel 14 operates to advance the tube a predetermined distance, and during such advancing movement the sealing tape is applied to the tube automatically.

Mechanism is provided for forming two closures transversely of the tube. One of these closures provides a top for the lower package, and the other closure forms a bottom of the next succeeding package. For this purpose a pair of guide rods 28 extend transversely of the machine frame, and are connected at one end to a clamp 29 secured to the post 11, and the opposite ends are mounted in a bracket 30 secured to the frame 10. Reciprocable on the rods 28 on one side of the machine is a slide 31, and depending from the slide 31 are brackets 32 and 33. Slidable in the brackets 32 is a shaft 34, to the outer end of'which are pivoted a. pair of flaps 35, which areurged toward each other by a coil-spring 36 encircling a stem 37.

The shaft 34 is actuated from a suitable cam (not shown) through a rod 38, and bell crank 39. A clamping jaw 40 integral with the slide 31 is actuated from a suitable cam (not shown) through a rod 41, and bell crank 42.- The jaw 40 is hollow to receive the folding flaps 35 therein, and is adapted to remain stationary, the flaps 35 being movable relatively thereto, as will hereinafter appear.

Disposed between the flaps 35 and engageable therewith is a finger 43 actuated by a rod 44 which is slidable on the clamping slide 31 and is connected to a bell crank 45 operated from a suitable cam (not shown) through a rod 46. The above described arrangement is such that the slide 31 may be moved along the guide rods 28 by the rod 41 and connections described, and

similar motion imparted to the rods 38 and 46 to enable the various parts to move as a unit.

slidable on the rods 28 on the opposite side of the machine is a slide 4'7 carrying a clamping jaw 48. The clamping jaw is provided with an opening in which reciprocates a slide 49 having a shearing blade 50 on its face. Formed on the slide 49 on opposite sides thereof directly in rear of the knife blade 50 are cam surfaces 51 inclined outwardly and rearwardly as shown in Fig. 5. The slide 49 is carried by a pair of rods 52, which reciprocate in brackets 53 depending from the slide 47. Movement is imparted to the knife slide 49 through the bell crank 54 actuated by a rod 55 driven from a suitable cam (not shown). The clamp slide 4'1 is actuated by a bell-crank 56 driven by a suitable cam (not shown) through a rod 57.

As the clamps 40 and 48 and their associated parts move toward each other, folding blades 58 carried by rods 59 and slidable in bearings 60 connected to the frame 10, move upwardly and inwardly toward the tube T, which has previously been formed from the cellophane S. These fingers form folds as indicated in Fig. 6 in opposite sides of the tube to enable the adjacent sides to be pressed together to form a neat appearing package.

During the downward or tube-feeding movement of the mandrel 14 sheet metal is fed between the clamping jaws 40 and 48 but along the face of the jaw 48. The metal may be in strip form, and a roll of such metal is carried by a reel 60 mounted on the machine frame 10. The sheet metal strip M, which may be of brass, aluminum, or other suitable material, is fed from the reel 60' over a guide roll 61 carried by the end of an extension 62 of the jaw 48. Secured to the jaw extension 62 and extending over the front face thereof are flanges 63 in which is disposed an elongate flattened tube 64, through which the sheet metal strip M extends. The tube 64 is provided with an opening 65 on the outer side thereof into which extends the end portion of a spring pressed feeding dog 66 carried by an arm 6'7 is fixed to the outer side of the slide tube 65. The arm 67 is connected through a universal joint 68 to an actuating arm 69 actuated by suitable mechanism, which imparts horizontal reciprocatory movement to the slide tube 65, the action being such that in each forward movement of the slide toward the clamping jaws a length of the sheet metal strip M is fed into position of use, and as retracting movement is imparted to the slide tube 65 the dog 66 yields or rides over the metal strip M.

It is to be understood that before retracting movement is imparted to the slide tube 64 the clamping jaws 40 and 48 will have been moved together into clamping engagement with the strip M, which has been fed therebetween. The length of stroke of the sheet tube 65 will be determined by the width of the bag tube T so that the strip retained in gripped relation by the knife 70, and positioned adjacent the slot 72 is a shearing plate 73 cooperating with the knife 71 to effect the shearing operation. The above described strip feeding mechanism may be the same for this construction.

When clamping jaws 40 and 48 are moved to clamping'position, the length of the strip M is sheared from the supply by the knife 52'. At the same time the strip M is sheared longitudinally to provide two equal sections and the bag tube is severed by the knife 50. After the tube and strip M have been severed the slide 49 continues its advancing movement, and due to the inclined cam surfaces 51 the segments of the strip M, together with the adjacent tube material, are bent at substantially right angles, as indicated in Fig. 8. In the next operation the knife slide 49 retracts, as shown in Fig. 9. Thereupon the folding fiaps 35 and the finger 42 together move rearwardly away from the bent ends of the strip segments.

The flaps 35 are provided with reduced extensions or end portions 35, and the rear end portions are formed with outwardly inclined cam surfaces 35 on their adjacent surfaces. As shown in Fig. 11, the finger 43 is moved rearwardly between the fiaps 35 into the region of the cam surfaces 35*, whereupon the flaps 35 are.

forced together by the coil spring 36, causingv the reduced end portions 35 to be moved into engagement. When in this position the outer sur-: faces of the flaps 35 are inclined outwardly from their forward e'nds,and the inner ends of the flaps are of a thickness to extend into the space between the outwardly bent portions of the metal strips.

The ends of the blades 35 are then moved into engagement with the bent portions of the metal strips, and thereupon outward or spreading movement is imparted to the blades 35 by the finger 43. The finger 43 is moved forwardly to cam or spread the fingers apart to the position shown in Fig. 12, to continue the bending of the metal strips and adjacent tube material in opposite directions, thereby providing substantially U-shaped closure strips.

While the blades 35 are in engagement with the outer sides of the bent strips, a final blow or force is imparted to the strips M in order to press the strips into intimate engagement with the ends of the bag tube sections. Preferably, the ends of the blades 35 are formed with knurled or roughened surfaces to insure a sealing engagement between the strips and the ends of the bag tube sections. i

As shown in Fig. 14, a ram '75 is carried by the clamping jaw 40, and is moved longitudinally thereof, or in a direction transverse to the sliding movements of the jaw. The head of the ramflB is adapted to be forced between the outin Fig. 10. If desired, the ram may also be used. with the construction shown in Fig. 14.

From the above description it is manifest that a tube of cellophane material S is continuously formed, and as the mandrel 14 moves downwardly it draws the tube downwardly at the same time. Filling material is delivered to the tube through the hopper 15 and mandrel, preferably when the clamping jaws are brought together into clamping relation with the opposite sides of the tube. Consequently, the jaws assist in supporting the tube while a charge of material is inserted therein. The mandrel may be raised or lowered by loosening the clamps on the outer ends of the arms 13, .and it is also understood that the stroke of the mandrel 14 may be adjusted in accordance with the length of the package desired, a longer stroke being necessary in making a larger package since the tube is advanced a greater distance relative to the closure forming mechanism.

An important feature of the invention resides in the mounting of the various parts in such a manner that they may .be swung away from the closure forming mechanism. By effecting relatively few adjustments the entire tube forming apparatus may be swung away from the closure forming mechanism. This is desirable for providing a single machine which is capable of making packages of different sizes. For example, the channel folding plates 18 may be removed and a larger or smaller size plate substituted in ac cordance with the sizes of the mandrel 14. Thus, a larger or smaller size rnandrel may be substituted for the mandrel 14,.but the desired size package may be produced with the same apparatus. This may be accomplished by swinging the bracket carrying the folding plates 18 and associated parts to one side on the post 11 and moving. a similar mechanism, but of different size, 110 also mounted on the post into operative position. Thereafter, by substituting a different size mandrel 14 the machine is ready for operation.

In the movement of the fingers 58, which form side folds in the bag tube preparatory to making the closures, the lower end of the bag tube is lifted. As shown in Fig. 3, it will be observed that the blades 58 move upwardly and inwardly, and this movement not only affects folding of the bag tube material, but also lifts the lower end of 120 the tube so as to position the portion above the filling material in the desired position relative to-the clamping jaws. It is to be understood that the clamping jaws press in and clamp the 0pposite sides of the bag tube at substantially the same time as the blades are retracted so that closure is formed close to the filling material in the package.

While I have described my improved machine in more or less detail-to comply with the requirements of the statute, it is, nevertheless, desired. that this detailed description be considered merely as illustrative, and not as limiting, and it is to be understood that changes in modification may be made by those skilled in this art without 135 departing from the invention as defined in the following claims.

What I claim is:

1. In .a machine of the character described, clamps for engaging opposite sides of a bag tube J 40 and holding a pair of strips in parallel relation against one side of said tube, means for severing said bag tube between said strips, and mechanism for bending said strips over the adjacent severed ends of said bag tube thereby to close same.

2. In a device for severing a bag tube and closing the ends of the adjacent severed sections with binding strips, the combination of clamps to engage opposite sides of the bag tube and hold a pair of fiat binding strips on one side of the tube,

means to bend both strips concomitantly over the ends of the severed sections.

3. Apparatus for severing a bag tube and binding the severed ends with sheet material comprising means to sever the bag tube, means for holding the sheet material against the lineof severance, and means for concomitantly bending the sheet material about the two severed ends.

4. In a machine for making filled bags from an elongate bag tube and filling material, means to clamp a pair of binding strips on one side of the bag tube, means to sever the bag tube between said strips, and means for concomitantly bending both strips and engaged bag tube portions thereby to close the ends of the severed sections securely.

5. In a machine of the class described, clamps to press opposite sides of a bag tube together and hold a strip securely against one side of said tube, and mechanism for longitudinally severing said strip and for transversely severing the adjacent bag tube, and means for bending the segments of said strip in opposite directions thereby to close the ends of the bag tube sections.

6. In a device for severing a bag tube and closing the ends of the bag tube sections, means to clamp a binding strip to one side of the bag tube, means to longitudinally sever said strip and to transversely sever the bag tube, means to partially bend the segments of said strip in opposite directions, and means to complete the bending of each segment upon itself thereby to close the bag tube sections.

7. In a machine of the character described, means to clamp a pair of binding strips to one side of a bag tube, means to sever the bag tube transversely between the binding strips, and a series of means to bend said binding strips over the ends of the severed bag tube sections.

8. In a machine of the character described, means to clamp a pair of binding strips on one side of a bag tube, means to sever the bag tube between the binding strips, and a series of means for concomitantly bending both binding strips and the engaged portions of the tube upon themselves respectively to close the severed bag tube sections.

9. In a machine of the character described, a pair of clamps for pressing together opposite sides of a bag tube and for holding a pair of binding strips on one side of the tube, means adjacent one f said clamps for severing the bag tube, means engageable with adjacent edges of said strips for bending same at approximately right angles, and means adjacent the other clamp for completing the bending of each strip upon itself thereby to close the bag tube sections.

10. In a machine of the character described, a pair of clamps for pressing together opposite sides of a bag tube and for holding a pair of binding strips on one side of the tube, said clamps engaging the outer longitudinal edge portions of the strips, a severing device for the bag tube operable between the'binding strips, means movable with said severing device for bending the inner longitudinal edge portions of the strips at an angle to the remainder, and a pair of members opposed to said bending means adapted to complete the bending of said strips respectively upon themselves.

11. In a machine of the character described, a pair of clamps for pressing together opposite sides of a bag tube and for holding a pair of binding strips on one side of the tube, said clamps engaging the outer longitudinal edge portions of the strips, means operable between the binding strips for severing the bag tube, means for bending the inner longitudinal edge portions of the strips at an angle to the outer portions thereof, and a pair of members having outward swinging movement operable subsequent to said bending means for completing the bending of each strip upon itself thereby to close the severed ends of the bag tube.

12. The method of severing a bag tube and binding the severed ends with sheet material which comprises feeding a strip of sheet material to one side of the bag tube, pressing the walls of the bag tube together with the strip in engage ment with one side thereof, severing the bag tube transversely and severing the strip longitudinally thereof, and concomitantly bending the sheet material segments about the two severed ends of the bag tube.

13. In a machine for making filled bags from an elongated bag tube, means for forming a bag tube from a length of sheet material, said means comprising a mandrel, a pair of folding plates shaped to embrace the said mandrel, and a mounting for said plates to enable same to be moved in opposite directions away from said mandrel.

14. In a machine for making filled bags from an elongate bag tube, means for forming a bag tube from a length of sheet material, said means comprising a mandrel, a pair of folding plates shaped to embrace the said mandrel, a mounting for said plates to enable same to be moved in op= posite directions away from said mandrel, and spring means yieldingly resisting outward movement of said folding plates.

15. In a machine for making filled bags, tube forming means including a mandrel about which the tube is formed, mechanism operating at the inner end of said mandrel for closing the bag tube, means for imparting reciprocatory movements to said mandrel for advancing the bag tube, and an adjustable mounting for said mandrel to enable same to be adjusted toward or away from said closure forming means.

16. In a machine for making filled bags from an elongate bag tube, tube forming means including a mandrel through which charges of filling material are inserted, means adjacent the inner end of said mandrel for pressing opposite sides of the bag tube together and adapted to provide a support for the bag tube while the material is inserted therein, and means operable whilethe tube is so supported for severing the bag tube and enclosing the ends of the severed sections.

1'7. In a machine for making filled bags, means for intermittently advancing a bag tube, means operable between movements of the bag tube for pressing the opposite walls thereof together, and means operable while the sides of the bag tube are so pressed for severing the same, and means for concomitantly closing the ends of the severed sections.

18. Apparatus for severing a bag tube and binding the severed ends with sheet material comprising means engaging opposite sides of the bag tube for forming folds therein and concomitantly lifting the depending end of the bag tube, means for pressing opposite sides of the bag tube together and holding the sheet material against one side of the tube in the region of the folds, means to sever the bag tube, and means for concomitantly bending the sheet material about the severed end.

19. In a machine of the class described, means for recurrently advancing a continuous tube, and

means operable between advancing movements for forming a pair of closures across the tube; said means including means for feeding, a metallie strip across the tube, and conjoint means for successively severing the strip and the bag tube, and imparting bending movement to the strip segments about the ends of the severed bag tube sections.

20. In a machine of the class described, means for providing a continuous tube of flexible sheet material, means to feed tape across the tube, and conjoint means for first severing the tape longitudinally and the adjacent bag tube, and then folding the tape segments about the ends of the bag tube sections.

21. In a machine for closing bag tubes, tape applying means,.means movable transversely of thebag tube for severing the tape longitudinally into segments and the bag tube, and means for folding the tape segments about the bag tube sections.

22. The method of forming a pair of closures in a continuous bag tube which comprises clamping the walls of the bag tube, severing the bag tube transversely while the adjacent walls are clamped, partially folding the severed ends in the same direction while the severed bag tube segments are held in clamped relation, and completing the folding of the severed ends respectively against the adjacent bag tube walls while retaining the adjacent walls of the severed segments clamped.

23. Machine of the character described comprising means to form a continuous bag tube, means operable recurrently to clamp the walls of the bag tube, means to sever the bag tube transversely while the walls thereof are held in clamped relation, means operable while the bagwalls are clamped to partially fold the severed ends in the same direction, and means operable while the bag walls are clamped. to complete the folding operation and press the severed ends respectively against the adjacent bag tube walls.

24. Machine of the character described comprising means to form a continuous bag tube, means operable recurrently to clamp the walls of the bag tube, means to sever the bag tube transversely while the walls thereof are held in clamped relation, and means operable while the bag tube segments are held in clamped relation to double the severed'ends respectively upon themselves for closing the bag tube-segments.

JOHN P. ALDRICH. 

